The International College of Surgeons (ICS) is a world federation of general surgeons and surgical specialists. Founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1935 by Dr. Max Thorek, ICS has over 60 organized national Sections around the world with approximately 6,000 members in over 100 countries. Membership is available to qualified surgeons in all specialties as well as to Anesthesiologists, Pathologists and Radiologists.

With almost 2,000 members, the United States Section is the largest national chapter. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, members of the US Section speak over 40 languages and are dedicated to the global advancement of surgical excellence as well as humanitarian service to those in need.

ICS collaborates with many like-minded organizations to achieve its goals. We are actually the only non-governmental organization representing surgery that has an official relationship with the World Health Organization. Representatives from ICS formally participate in the World Health Assembly held annually in Geneva.